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2025 Lincoln Aviator: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Lincoln Aviator[1], and the model year has 15 recalls[2]. Two seat recalls still wait on a final repair, so check the status of any car you are considering[3][4].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 18 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. None mention a crash, a fire, an injury or a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts of the car, so the group counts below add up to more than the total.
- Electrical system: 5 complaints[7]
- Brakes: 5 complaints[8]
- Forward collision avoidance: 4 complaints[9]
- Seats: 3 complaints[10]
- Engine, steering and visibility: 2 complaints each[11][12][13]
- Lane departure: 1 complaint[14]
The counts are small, so none of these groups is a proven pattern. Here is what owners describe in the complaint texts we read.
Electrical. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe a car that fails to start or shuts off, brakes that engage on their own with fault messages, water getting into the cabin, and sudden power loss with rough running[7]. One owner says a dealer update resolved a fault message episode[7].
Brakes. Owners describe slow brake response, a parking brake warning light, and automatic braking with fault messages. One complaint describes a loss of power brake assistance at highway speed[8].
Driver assistance. Owners describe warning lights for the camera and collision systems, speed changes under cruise control, and emergency braking when nothing was ahead[9].
Seats. Owners describe second-row seats that slide, fold or recline while driving, and one owner describes trouble starting a recall repair after buying the car[10]. The recalls below cover second-row seat switches.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2025 Aviator[2]. Newest first:
- Remedy pending
Driver seat recline (26V470). An empty driver's seat can recline on its own, for example after a remote unlock or remote start. That can trap a second-row passenger. The final repair is not yet available. Until parts arrive, dealers will turn off the driver seat module feature, then replace the motor, free of charge[3]. - Remedy pending
Second-row seat switch (26V451). This expands recall 25V393. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats can stick, and the seats may unlatch, tip or slide. A seat that moves may not hold a passenger properly in a crash. Remedy not yet available: it comes in phases, and Ford anticipated it for January 2027. Dealers will then inspect the switch bezel and replace it as needed[4]. - Camera and driver assistance (26V165). A module can reset again and again, which can take away the rearview camera image and features such as pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. A dealer or an over-the-air update fixes it with software, free of charge. The 2025 Aviator is in the first phase[15].
- Second-row seat belt anchors (26V159). Anchor bolts at the second-row outer seats may be loose, so a buckle may not hold in a crash. Dealers inspect and repair or replace them[16].
- Windshield bubbles (25V730). Air bubbles in the windshield glass can block the driver's view. Dealers inspect and replace the windshield as needed[17].
- Trailer hitch bolts (25V687). Loose hitch bolts can cause loss of control while towing or let the trailer detach. Dealers inspect and tighten or replace the bolts[18].
- Trailer tail lights (25V543). A faulty body control module can keep the trailer's tail lights from lighting. Dealers replace the module on vehicles under 9,000 miles[19]. Above that, they test it and replace it if needed[19].
- Rear window closing (25V484). The rear side windows can press too hard on an object before reversing, which can pinch a passenger. A dealer updates the body control module software[20].
- C-pillar trim (25V407). Weak glue can let trim near the rear doors come off the car and become a road hazard. Dealers repair or replace the trim and window bars[21].
- Second-row seat switch (25V393). The same switch problem as 26V451, in an earlier recall. Dealers inspect the switch and replace the bezel as needed[22].
- Front subframe bolt (25V316). A mounting bolt may have been tightened wrong, which could reduce crash performance. Dealers inspect and tighten it[23].
- Transmission valve body (25V164). A badly machined valve body can cause reverse gear failure or unexpected movement in reverse or neutral. Dealers replace the valve body[24].
- Transmission cross member bolts (25V020). Loose bolts can leave the transmission poorly secured and cause a loss of drive power. Dealers inspect and replace the bolts, or the cross member if bolts are missing[25].
- Air bag warning label (24V852). The dashboard label may be missing. Ford mails owners the label[26].
- Rearview camera at speed (24V801). The camera image can fail at 10 MPH or more[27]. An over-the-air update or a dealer fixes it with software[27].
All repairs are free of charge, once a remedy is available.
Fuel economy
The EPA rates both versions with a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo engine, Automatic (S10) and regular fuel[5][28].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the all-wheel-drive SUV 5 stars overall, 5 for frontal, 5 for side and 4 for rollover, with a rollover risk of 15.1%[6]. The rear-wheel-drive SUV has the same star ratings and a rollover risk of 14.7%[29].
Engine and size
The EPA lists the 3.0L 6-cylinder at 400 hp[30]. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
| Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200 in | 200 in |
| Width | 80 in | 80 in |
| Height | 69 in | 69 in |
| Wheelbase | 119 in | 119 in |
| Curb weight | 4,852 lb | 4,969 lb |
How 2025 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 111 | 1 |
| 2004 | 81 | 0 |
| 2005 | 51 | 0 |
| 2020 | 120 | 30 |
| 2021 | 45 | 28 |
| 2022 | 61 | 22 |
| 2023 | 30 | 16 |
| 2024 | 7 | 8 |
| 2025 | 18 | 15 |
| 2026 | 4 | 6 |
The 2025 model year has 18 complaints and 15 recalls[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.
- Complaints: 2020 has 120[2], 2003 has 111[2], 2004 has 81[2], 2022 has 61[2], 2005 has 51[2], 2021 has 45[2] and 2023 has 30[2]. All are higher than 2025. 2024 has 7, 2026 has 4 and 2027 has 0[2].
- Recalls: 2020 has 30[2], 2021 has 28[2], 2022 has 22[2] and 2023 has 16[2]. All are higher than 2025. 2024 has 8, 2026 has 6 and 2027 has 2[2].
Several recalls on this page also cover other model years or other Ford models, so recall counts overlap between years[2].
Should you buy a used 2025 Aviator?
The complaint count is modest and none of the complaints report a crash, fire or injury[1]. The recall list is long, and it includes seat, camera and driver-assistance issues[3][4][15]. Two seat recalls still lack a final repair, so ask the seller what has been done and which recalls are open[3][4]. Owners also describe brake and driver-assist faults in a small sample of complaints, so a test drive that checks the warning lights is a sensible step[8][9]. Our data does not cover price, trims or towing.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the common problems with the 2025 Lincoln Aviator?
- Electrical and brake complaints are the largest groups with 5 each[7][8], followed by forward collision avoidance with 4[9]. The counts are small and unverified.
- How many recalls does the 2025 Lincoln Aviator have?
- NHTSA lists 15[2]. The driver seat recline and second-row seat switch recalls do not yet have a final repair[3][4].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2025 Lincoln Aviator?
- The EPA rates rear-wheel drive at 21 MPG combined[5] and all-wheel drive at 20 MPG combined[28].
- How safe is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator?
- NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall for both drive types, with 4 stars for rollover[6][29].
- How much horsepower does the 2025 Lincoln Aviator have?
- The EPA lists the 3.0L 6-cylinder at 400 hp[30].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Lincoln Aviator (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Lincoln Aviator model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V470, filed July 21, 2026: Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V451, filed July 14, 2026: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Aviator RWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the lane departure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V165, filed March 18, 2026: Electrical System › Adas. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V159, filed March 17, 2026: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V730, filed October 24, 2025: Visibility › Windshield. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V687, filed October 10, 2025: Trailer Hitches. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V543, filed August 22, 2025: Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V484, filed July 25, 2025: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V407, filed June 13, 2025: Structure › Body. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V393, filed June 13, 2025: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V316, filed May 9, 2025: Structure › Frame And Members. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V164, filed March 14, 2025: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid / Lubricant › Valves / Valve Body. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V020, filed January 17, 2025: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V852, filed November 8, 2024: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V801, filed October 25, 2024: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Aviator AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2025 Lincoln Aviator with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 400 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVIATOR 4DR SUV RWD: length 200 in, width 80 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,852 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVIATOR 4DR SUV AWD: length 200 in, width 80 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,969 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov